More than two-thirds of company executives believe
reliable network security is the single most critical factor in
successful implementation of converged IP networks, new research
has revealed.
The research by the Economist Intelligence Unit and telecoms
firm AT&T surveyed 236 senior executives from companies in 50
countries. It found that security is seen as a more critical aspect
of network performance than cost, complexity or business
disruption.
Some of the most important benefits of convergence, such as
closer electronic collaboration with customers and remote working,
are also seen as key areas of network vulnerability.
More than 60% of those surveyed reported that processing
customer data online exposed their businesses to electronic
security breaches, more than any other type of vulnerability. But
62% nevertheless expected to implement IP networks across all or
most of their businesses within three years.
The survey found that 89% of respondents feared viruses and
worms as the top electronic security threat. But company executives
expected the threat from hackers and industrial espionage to grow
over the same time frame.